RESURRECTION 

OF THE GODS 



)M A.MICKI.ESON 



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RESURRECTION OF THE GODS 



RESURRECTION OF 
THE GODS 



BY 



DON A. MICKLESON 




^■ARTIetVeRl 



BOSTON 

THE GORHAM PRESS 

MCMXVIII 



$ /,tC(y^ 



Copyright 1918 by Don A. Mickleson 



All Rights Reserved 






MAY -7 ISi8 

Made in the United States of America 



The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. 



)CIA494930 



RESURRECTION OF THE GODS 



RESURRECTION OF 
THE GODS 

A flight of birds of varied form 

Perched themselves upon a tree — 

No doubt they thought themselves alone 

Or they wouldn't have spoken as they did near me. 

Paralyzed, dumb and stricken with awe 
I stood In my tunnel and gazed at them 
For they were birds against nature's law, 
Having the voices and words of men. 

I'd been delving the earth In search of wealth 
Far within a desert land — 
The birds came there as if In stealth, 
That queer, uncanny, feathered band. 

I judged It thus from their actions, sly 
And the caution, they had in speaking, 
They looked about both low and high — 
I thought at first they were sneaking, — • 

Sneaking about to fill their gizzards 
With tempting bait from near the tree — 
Squirrels, perhaps, or maybe llzzards 
Then (evil omen) I feared 'twas me. 

For there. In converse with that bevy of fowl^ 
Blackbird and swan, eagle and crane. 
Sat a bird of fate, — a great old owl, — 
Wondered I much whence they came. 

Now, the fates decree by omens and signs 
When 111 betides, — to those who are wise 

5 



Resurrection of the Gods 



The same today as In olden times 

And to know them, Is easy, for he who tries. 

So beholding there that bird of evil 
That mocks at some w^here 'er they roam, 
I concluded that he was sent by the devil 
To supervise stripping me flesh from bone. 

But, great my relief when at length the crane 
Began to speak of their mission's aim 
And Intently I listened for him to explain, — ■ 
Hoping he'd state when they'd leave again. 

"Friends," he murmured, in accents low, 

"In form of birds do we assemble here 

Lest man may see and learn and know 

There lives yet the gods they've ceased to fer,; . 

"In this guise we must seek one 
Whose heart is free to accept the truth 
And carry the tidings to every one 
Assembled here upon the earth." 

I, standing there with pick and shovel. 
Hidden within my hidden tunnel. 
Was filled with amazement, fear and fright- — ■ 
Realizing, at length, that within my sight 
Was a legion of gods from a v/orld unknown 
From whence, as birds, they must have flown. 
Their object, no doubt, to rule the earth 
As they ruled it before the Christian birth. 



Resurrection of the Gods 



I thought me then of times of yore 

When the Christ and gods, as never before, 

Sought to save the souls of men 

Who prayed for someone to save for them. 

Be it Christ or gods or norns or elves, 
The souls — they must needs save themselves. 
And, concerning which, they'd dream and hope 
And yet in darkness of it, grope. 

Rudely was my reverie broken 

By the words of an eagle, spoken. 

His voice, like distant thunder boomed; 

My late, I feared, was sealed and doomed. 

Such tremors strange, unseemly, queer 

Shook the world, — as I, with fear — 

Affrighted I and mutely wondered 

Whose his words that thusly thundered.^ 

Who could this in shape of bird be 

Whose tones, in truth, were quite unworldly.? 

At length, condemned I much my blindness. 

When noting with what truth and kindness 

This god spoke of earth and heaven. 

How illy man of the good, then given 

Made it serve the end intended 

And long ere he, his speech had ended 

Knew I that the great Thor spoke — • 

God of storm and thunder bolt. 

"Our great god Odin, permit me to state — • 
Ye Gods of all from prison freed — 
Has wisely spoken of the pitiful state 
Of mankind now, and their awful need." 



Resurrectio7i of the Gods 



"The rulers of men need judges for them — 

'Tis plain that they have gone astray 

From the path intended for them. 

Fools! Such fools! Have they wandered away. 

Why is it thus? Why thus, ye gods? 

What cause brings such calamity? 

Canst comprehend, ye gods 

W^hy thus such fools, — humanity?" 



"Since driven from earth by fate's decree 

And losing all power o'er the fates of men 

Tis a sad return, as viewed by we, 

To behold the tardy progression of men. 

Truly doth it appear as when 

Hermod, in hell, our Balder found 

When men and gods and mountains and plain 

Wept with grief and shook with fright — 

When tears were shed like ceaseless rain 

At losing him, the god of light." 

"For behold! Where is the joy today? 
'Tis dead, I ween, all dead from strife; 
Mirth is sung in a mirthless lay, 
Men do not live, — they have but life. " 

"In place of we gods, hath a great divinity 
Worshipped by all mankind for ages — 
Ruled the world as did Odin, Vile and Ve; 
That trinity of gods, first known to sages." 

"And whence there sprang this queer religion 
Devoid of beauty, with greed its fetish 



Resurrection of the Gods 



That's made men slaves legion by legion 
Since fate, from earth, we gods did banish." 

"But mine eye of prophetic vision 

Beholds a dawn upon the earth — 

A dawn that's held by men in derision 

Being taught it folly, (since the Christian birth) 

"All hail the day when once again 
The brave and true alone appears 
At banquets where we gods shall reign 
And drink from goblets of Freyja's tears." 

"'Tis indeed as 'tv/as before 
We from earth were banished 
Some are glutted with their store 
While some are truly famished." 

" 'Tis strange indeed that we should find, 
After ages of that fatal sway 
That severed communion, with us, mankind. 
To find the evils the same today." 

"But such is fate, by fate's decree 
This Christian rule is doomed. 
We gods again shall truly be 
By mankind with victory plumed. " 

"Beauty once again shall rule, 
Freyja will be honored. 
All again, to we gods shall pray 
The wise, as the untutored." 



lo Resurrection of the Gods 



So spoke Thor, the god of thunder, 
Listed I, with awe and wonder, 
Hearing thus, an eagle speak 
In truth to me seemed such a freak, 

That I questioned if my reason 
Had not indeed committed treason 
And left me there an empty shell 
Like a vagabond escaped from hell. 

Devoid of means of knowing truly 
Had my mind become unruly. 
Yet I knew they spoke like sages 
If perchance through all the ages. 

As there, before me, they did confess, 
The fates afforded them redress 
From a bondage that grieved them sorely 
In narrow realms devoid of glory, 

Whence again, they might, their valor try 
And win allegiance for aye and aye 
From man, who once served them well — • 
Till, vainglorious — they sipped of hell, 

From arrogance quite unbearable 
Thinking they as gods unconquerable. 
Their punishment was most justly given 
By the fates ruling earth and heaven. 



Resurrection of the Gods 1 1 

I was a-weary after a day of toil 
Yet hoped that, with silence, I might not spoil 
The novel experience of hearing birds speak, — 
Each of a kind, — with a different beak. 

Tho I feared I was crazy and dreaming for sure 
'Twas quite beyond me to pass by such a lure. 
So silently discarding my shovel and pick 
Laying them down without the least click, 

I attempted to seat myself on a barrow 
(The one I used In working my burrow) 
Tho huge in form, with a m.onstrous frame 
I'd sat on my barrow again and again 

And alv/ays it bore my v/elght without murmur, 
'Twas firm as a rock and I thought a bit firmer. 
All made of steel, both hard and tough 
And meant to withstand hard usage and rough. 

But nevertheless tho I sat down with ease 

It smashed with a crash, a moan and a wheeze. 

For a moment. In anger, I hotly cursed 

When, In flocked the birds, the great owl first.. 

Now, thought I, they'll devour me alive 
Like hornets feasting at a honeybee hive — 
For a moment they stood as If undecided, 
I, In terror, their onslaught bided. 

However, soon, in marched a swan 
Her plumage shining as silvery dawn 



12 Resurrection of the Gods 



With queenly tread she made approach 

And with tender voice most sweetly spoke, — 

Freyja 

"Fear not, sir mortal. Why shoulds't thou 

shudder? 
Why tremble thus? Why for thy reason fear? 
Know ye not the gods commit no murder, 
And without good reason cause not a tear? 

Think ye then we knew not of your presence, 
Tho, with caution, thou attemptedst to attain 
Wisdom, with which to win worldly prominence 
From the words of gods unknown to them — O 
shame! 

A shame in truth, that thou should'st giye 
So little credence to the powers of diyinities 
And think that so near their presence thou 

coulds't liye 
Except 'twere considered by them an expediency. 

Sir, thou hast heard our conversation, 
As 'twas willed by we you should 
For 'tis necessary, we in consultation, 
(For sake of mankind's good) 

A Mortal being devoid of prejudice 
Find, to act as earthly herald 
And disseminate, without cowardice, 
To all who dwell upon this world 



Resurrection of the Gods 13 

Those tidings which must needs concern 
Every dweller upon the earth, 
Those tidings anent the gods' return 
Their resurrection, — their second birth. 

I, dear sir, am Freyja — goddess next to none 
Goddess I, of love and every brilliant passion 
And, as the worlds are lighted by the rays of the 

sun, 
I, the hearts of men enlighten, — in like fashion. '' 

Freyja for a moment, inquisitivelv, me regarded 

I tried in vain to answer her, — fright my speech 
retarded 

Until at length sweet Freyja, found for me com- 
passion 

And changed herself into a nymph to arouse me 
to some passion. 

Her wiles succeeded beyond her hopes, of that I'm 

sure truly, 
My tongue at once unloosed itself and became. 

indeed, unruly. 
I met her gaze with candor and scanned her face 

of beauty; 
"Of all the treasures upon earth, — Fd give quite 

free of duty, 

For just one kiss, one love embrace — just a 

moment's rapture 
Give all freely, my soul included, if in my arms 

could capture 



14 Resurrection of the Gods 



Such entrancing winning grace, such glorious 

lovehness 
'Twould make my heart be quite content and 

extradite all loneliness." 

Such words I spoke and more, quite aflame with 

ardor 
Until visions of possession, my heart began to 

harbor. 
And reaching then to clasp the lovely, lovely 

vision 
I clasped alone thin, thin air and met Freyja's 

mild derision. 

And instead of a nymph of entrancing form 
Stood Freyja now in garb of swan 
Tho such creature is to love repellent 
Her eyes, with humor, gleamed so excellent 

That chagrin and anger, with kind good grace 
Took speedy flight from my flushed face 
While humor, blessed mood contagious, 
Contracted I, from that of Freyja's. 

Then kindly did she me reproach 

For the audacity to thus approach 

A being quite too divine 

To be embraced by person, mean as mine. 

"Forgive me Freyja," with her I pleaded 
"But surely thou must truly know 



Resurrection of the Gods 15 



Results of deeds are all unheeded 
At times, by mortals here below. 

When love Is aroused by beauty divine — 
Pray tell me, Freyja, it is no sin 
That man may hope to all entwine 
Such beauty rare, his arms within. 

Truly then 'twere little wonder 
That man with woman's wont to blunder 
When Freyja, love's most charming goddess 
Such wiles entrancing does countenance." 

The Pheasant 

"In thine ignorance, do not chide 
Thou foolish mortal, lest ill betide. " 
Spoke a bird with brilhance vestured 
While with wing outstretched it gestured 
Its voice with anger fraught. 

" Know ye not the norns of evil 
Require of each and every mortal 
A payment in tears or anguish of soul 
For the greatest joys from young and old.^ 
And all that's good is dearly bought. " 

Mortal 

"Thy words indeed cannot be doubted 
And often here I hear them quoted 
Yet the reason, — would I fain 



1 6 Resurrection of the Gods 

That thou, a god, to me explain. 
Why is that that's best for mortal 
Subject is and unto evil 
Must a tribute to it pay?" 

The Pheasant 

"That that's best for mortal creature 
Is to him a perfect stranger 
Naught he knows, the laws concerning, 
Subject he to vulgar yearning. 
Reason is to him unknown 
Harmony's laws and they alone 
Protect all things from evil's sway." 

I think that Freyja was inclined 
To think this god with superior mind 
Would cause that I, myself, entangle 
With problems that must end in wrangle 
And so to stop the useless speaking 
Explained, — ^"The truth of my seeking 
Were better made known another day." 

So powerful in its sweetness 
Was the voice with which she spoke 
E'en the gods showed some meekness 
And as if in slavery's yoke 
In unison bowed they, each and all 
Those birds — yet, gods, both great and small 
And with eagerness awaited what Freyja had to 
say. 



Resurrection of the Gods 1 7 

She then outlined to me the plan 
By which, unto my fellowman 
I'd prove myself of service great 
In making known the rules of fate. 
"For," said she, " 'Tis meet that man 
Learn to live his earthly span 
According as the stars may say. 

And he who grieves o'er tasks undone or heeds 

To murmur o'er his or others good or evil deeds 

Must pay the price of being left 

In a darkened world, — of light bereft 

Until the time so lost in fruitlessness 

Is doubly spent in grieving penitence 

At the night, now his, which should be day. 

And this in part is our earthly mission, — 
Each god or goddess controls one passion 
And thus shall we attempt to teach 
That man may love us, all and each. 
Tho, loving one more than all the rest, 
Shall he by that one be most blest 
No prayer of his be answered — nay. " 

Mortal 

Ah! then Freyja — goddess of the passion supreme 
Tell me: wilt thou, when once more you reign. 
Inspire the hearts of women with that love divine 
That in days of yore — , as if drunk with wine — 
The hearts of kings and noblest lords 
Thrilled with joy when at their boards 



Resurrection of the Gods 



Lovely women smiled their pleasure 
And asking aught in slightest measure 
Were granted all their hearts desire 
E'en tho their lord must brave hell-fire? 

Wilt thou, Freyja, beauteous soul divine 
Lend thine aid, lest hearts repine 
And die loveless for lack of nurture 
And kindly aid from thou, the teacher. 
Doubt I not your power, for, had it been less 
How, throughout all the centuries 
Could'st thine teachings be remembered? 
For even today rare love is rendered. 

Yet I fear me 'tis on the wane 
For lover oft is called insane 
By women, who their suit disdain 
Unless perchance by right they claim 
That which gilds all hearts today 
And brands e'en brutes as of superior clay. 
Riches, Freyja, or likewise their dearth 
Hath near replaced thy power on earth 
Or submerged it in a depth of sin 
To satisfy vainglorious whim." 

Freyja 

Sir, I thank thee. But a mortal 

Thy kind words I shall heed. 

In truth, my heart, as tho 'twere mortal 

In anguish does most truly bleed 

To know that that most priceless treasure 



Resurrection of the Gods 19 

Bequeathed by me to lovely woman 

Is now replaced by meaner pleasure 

And does not mold their hearts, or govern. 

Tell me more of thy knowledge, pray. 

What the cause .^ Why this decline.^ — • 

Riches, thou sayest, doth replace today 

Passionate love — divinest of all things divine.^ 

Mortal 

Freyja, thy pardon do I humbly seek, 

But ere I can with ardor speak 

I pray thee, change thy unseemly garb. 

In truth I find the task too hard 

Trying thus my speech upon 

That which seems to me a swan. 

Truly, Freyja, thou dost not fear 

To me, in human form appear? 

And then, indeed thou would'st embolden 

Me, perchance to words quite golden. 

Words, I trust, might cheer and charm thee 

And, knowest thou, I could not harm thee. 

There's a vision now within my mind 

Concerning the beauty that must be thine 

And could I, Freyja, a moment view it, 

Tho death reward me I should not rue it. 

Freyja 

."Thou, a gallant art in truth 
But list thee sir, lend thine ear, 
'Twould ill become one of thy youth 



20 Resurrection of the Gods 

To suffer the curse thou now shalt hear. — 
In ages gone, when last I reigned, 
A mortal, who, with me in converse. 
Who, my counsel quite disdained, 
Bade me appear and pronounce my curse, 
A curse more terrible, he found to bear 
Than the curse upon the wandering Jew 
A curse, dear sir, that you should fear 
As the worst the fates could proffer you. 



The Curse 

''He who looks on Freyja's form , 

In torment on this earth shall dwell 
For aye and aye shall that one mourn 
As does a soul that's lost in hell. 
For ages and ages shall he roam the earth 
Seeking for that that's not for him, — 
Seeking from those of noble birth 
And from those that are born in sin 
A kindly word from a woman kind, 
A glance, with love, for himself alone. 
Finding it not, 'twill torment his mind, 
Thus accursed shall he roam and roam." 

Mortal 

"Tho disciple am I of Freyja's 
My heart is not enough courageous 
Thy curse to attempt enduring 



Resurrection of the Gods 21 



How-so-e'er Its cause be so alluring 

For a life of shortest term 

Knows how anguish, — the heart can burn, 

Knows the heart to ashes turns 

When unslaked It yearns and yearns — • 

Yearns for that It can't attain 

As does for freedom — he In chain 

And since thy face I cannot gaze upon 

Except as nymph or In form of swan 

My words, I fear me, may seem cold 

For I may speak, not of love, but gold. 

Gold It Is O Freyja, goddess thou of love, 

Gold replaces all things — even the gods above. 

Gold will melt the hearts of misses 

For gold, the youth, old woman kisses. 

Naught else on earth could make them do It 

Tho know they well for life they'll rue It. " 

The Eagle 

"Hearest thou, ye gods, what says this earthly 

man.^ 
Does not his words demand that we more hastily 

plan.?" 

The Raven 

"Aye! with this, his confirmation. Let us dis- 
cover more — 

Whence this abomination that makes our heart 
so grievous sore." 



22 Resurrection of the Gods 



The Pheasant 

"E'en the Christ, a greater god than we, 

Hath proven the futiHty 

Of battle against that sorcerer — • 

That scourging, unscrupulous monster — 

Who, with satan and all his devils 

For amusement in their revels — • 

Play with the meaner passions of men 

And gleefully applaud as they subject them 

To sacrifice on mammon's throne 

That, by right, we gods should own. " 

Freyja 

"What wilt thou then — 
Shall not we now disperse, 
Explore at once the lives of men 
And show this mortal the universe?" 

The Eagle 

"Freyja thou hast spoken well — 
Each god unto his labor go 
Hasten the time when man shall dwell 
And commune with gods as of long ago." 

Freyja 

"Mortal," spoke sweet Freyja, with her golden 
ringing voice 

"Desirest thou to visit, and with other gods con- 
verse. 



Resurrection of the Gods 



Seekest thou that knowledge granted no other 

man, 
Would'st thou see the homes of gods, and Pluto's 

shores scan? 

Mortal 

"If thou wilt aid me, the swift Pegasus to ride 
And with me, in thy splendor, to realms unknown 

be guide 
Whilst thus thy realms, engaged surveying— 
I pledge myself quite all obeying. 

Follow thee I will for ages, 

Trusting thus to meet the sages 

Who, their knowledge, did disperse 

So scant throughout the universe. 

And gain, from souls whose eyes, have scanned 

The worlds of gods as the world of man 

Some gleam of light 

To pierce the night 

So all enveloping 

Man — just developing. " 

Freyja 

"Come! Mount ye then Pegasus, 

Steed of quaintest fancy 

On him sail the universe 

And behold the sights entrancing. 

But ere that steed thou mayest mount 

Your soul from body must depart. 



24 Resurrection of the Gods 

No dross as it may soar aloft 

To realms wherein it hath no part." 

Mortal 

"Freyja, Let me then away 
A soul on earth today 
Does but the body hamper 
And to it is a damper 
Quenching all the fires 
Of mortal's mean desires, 
The which must burn on earth 
Or prove the victim since his birth 
Unfitted for the strife 
Through all his life 
To win the laurels oft bequeathed 
To those of meaner worth." 

The Flight to Nether World 

Quite then, on the instant 

My soul was wafted high. 

(Surely it was pleasant 

Thus for one to die.) 

Through such a space we journeyed, 

Quite beyond a mortal's conception — 

And when at last it was ended 

Met we a strange reception. 

We stood on a world of chaos — 

Beside us, he who ruled. 

A feast was spread before us 

Which was, to me, unschooled, 



Resurrection of the Gods 25 

A strange o'er-solid substance 
For gods and mortal spirits, 
Requiring for their sustenance 
Naught that a mortal merits — 

For there before us were savory meats 

Of various earthly creatures 

But high above were placed our seats 

The food quite beyond our reaching. 

The god of chaos made a fire 

While we a seat, each mounted. 

He stacked the food up high — yet higher 

And with spices did anoint it. 

Beneath the meat and bread and wine 

He placed a furnace, blazing — 

The odors were so rare, so fine 

And to my soul so bracing 

That, then I comprehended 

Why the gods did all require 

Their food with spices blended 

And sent to them by fire. 

Chaos 

"Our mission now to the human race 
Is to teach to them the glories that may be theirs. 
We gods once dwelt upon the world's face 
And one achieved his godship there. 
Seek ye into history. The record still is found. 
I speak of he called Agamemnon, whose valor none 
may doubt, 



26 Resurrection of the Gods 



His bones, with greatest care, were covered in a 

mound 
In the land called 'Mycenae,' where e'en now 

they are found out. 

Know ye well the ills of men 
And the miseries that are theirs 
How love supreme's unknown to them 
And they're weighted down with care. 

Their minds so sordid, do but dwell 
On things that do their souls ensnare 
For even the Imps who dwell In hell 
For such sordid things do never care. 

Thy teachers teach unto all mankind 

Of ways to peace that are brutal 

For to the paths of peace, all are blind 

And their teachings foolish and futile. 

For do not they, with words of praise 

Bless the poor and wretched 

Telling them of the future days 

When, by God, they'll be protected .^^ 

They tell them of the gold In store 

And the palaces built for them 

But forget to tell that nevermore 

Will they require either bread or gem. 

The while they line their clothes with silk 

And drink of the best of wine — 

The most of their wealth from the poor filch 

Yet call themselves divine." 



Resurrection of the Gods 27 



Mortal 

"Surely Chaos, if that's thy name, 
A god, as thou, must surely know 
I'm seeking not such preachments lame 
But long for greater things to know." 

So I spoke, my temper rising, 

'Twas quite beyond all my surmising 

That a god, could thus indulge 

Such vagrant news — no greater wit divulge. 

"We mortals know, and have for ages 

That what you say Is true, 

But seek I now to learn of sages 

And gods of vv^Isdom, as are you — 

Whence we came — I'd solve the question 

Concerning man and all creatures' birth. 

If made by God in all perfection 

And sent by Him to rule the earth, 

Did men to depths so low, so mean 

Fall from their exalted place 

That all semblance of Godly mien 

Was eradicated from their face.^ 

Was it thus.? — Do not facts reveal 

That man arose from bestial haunts 

And through ages of woe and weal 

Achieve that face he flouts 

Proclaiming It the work of God.^* 

Truly then 'twere tedious, slow 

And, to me, the process odd 

That one so mighty should such pace, go." 



28 Resurrection of the Gods 

Chaos 

"That thou seekest thou canst not know 
Until allegiance dost thou sever 
With that earth so far below 
Tho thou seekest ever and ever." 

Freyja 

"Hark thee, Chaos, ('tis a mission) 
The gods assembled have ordained 
That this mortal gain admission 
To oiir realms and thus explain 
To fellow-creatures on the earth 
Why the gods of ancient lore 
Were at time of the great Christ's birth 
Condemned by man forevermore. " 

Chaos 

" 'Tis well, perhaps then, with discretion, 

That thou viewest for a time 

The beginning, yet not the completion 

Of the works so called divine." 

Saying which; from Freyja, we parted 

While I, by Chaos, was escorted 

To a point from whence could we view the passing 

Of myriads of sparks and meteors flashing 

And fragments of earth and iron and stone 

From which was Chaos building a home. 

By a force of attraction I could not comprehend 

When reaching a point did the fragments descend 



Resurrection of the Gods 29 



And attach themselves like clusters of bees 

Swarming the air and alighting on trees — 

Attach themselves near where we stood 

I, a-watching in panic mood. 

For here was a mountain growing higher and 

higher 
Being builded of earth and iron and fire 
Which quaked and hissed and seethed and roared 
And moaned and groaned as 'twere hell's horde. 
From whence we viewed a lake of slime 
Of which he'd mentioned at a prior time, 
And therein writhed a monster shape 
Neither fish, mammal, bird or snake 
But a writhing mass of minutest creatures 
Devoid of form or head or features. 
A mass that struggled and writhed and swarmed 
Struggled against cold or being too warm 
While some, — cementing with slime and scum 
Was the nucleus of skin, for the mass begun. 
Each chilly breath or warmer blast 
Kept changing a part of the slimy mass 
Until, — by Chaos was I informed — 
A skin about the whole was formed 
And then the battle ensued inside 
Those creatures next the monster's hide 
Adhered to it and furnished 
That by which it could be nourished. 
Thus the skin was kept alive 
And just within it did there thrive 
Another casing that must needs 
Upon its fellows — inward — feed. 
So the mass at last compact 



30 Resurrection of the Gods 



Became a monster in name and fact. 
At first would just an opening be 
Nor head, nor eye, nor limb have he 
And feed itself on slime and moss 
Until with one it met with loss. 
Thence other means must Chaos supply- 
Whereby the monster may not die — 
Mayhap an eye or something akin 
A sensitive spot upon the skin — ■ 
And so on thus develop for ages 
Wiser growing at successive stages. 
Small or great, they grow indeed 
As best befits their every need." 



Now that I knew whence the creation of brutes 

Sought I to learn beyond all disputes 

If the source could be the same 

For the immortal spirits of men. 

So I insisted that Chaos should tell me 

And tho he frowned at me most severely 

At last condescended to me, to explain 

How first did man a spirit attain. 

Chaos 

"When men were but brutes and could not con- 
verse 
Naught of the spirit controlling the universe 
Possessed he then more than apes do today 
For know ye, — two forces are extant alway. 



Resurrection of the Gods 3 1 



One Is creative and by man called good 
The other destructive and for evil has stood. 
Contend they each against the other 
At times one wins, at times the other. 

And when the first ape man, spoke his first word 
He called the good force and the good force heard. 
He partook in that instant of the force creative — 
The first soul was born to the first hairy native. 

After ages and ages of soul cultivation 
Ages and ages before civilization 
A soul was born that outshone the rest 
And spoke to a man in the flesh yet dressed, 

The man sorely fearful told his tribe — 
A council was called to name and decide 
What it could be,- — this voice from the air 
And the council was of men who still wore hair. 

And around a fire in a rock hewn cave 
In whispers and fearful, with faces grave 
Filled with wonder and perplexed full sore 
They pondered the question a month or more. 

Finally deciding to call the name 'God,' 

The word was simple, their language too, hence 

nothing odd. 
When still more ages and ages passed by 
And more souls lived when their bodies would die 



32 Resurrection of the Gods 

And members returned to speak to a friend 
Even yet mankind, could not comprehend 
Whence the origin of the ethereal spirits 
And called them all gods regardless of merits. 

But some of those spirits with strength to return 
Came back to the earth because they did yearn 
To win themselves glory or some sort of praise. 
From man they had known in their earthly days. 

And only succeeded in confusing their friends 
By odd demonstrations that none dared condemn. 
For only those souls that are great and yet meek 
Possess that power by which they may speak. 

And of this latter class who progress and progress 
(From that source only) no greater, no less, 
Have all the gods who are known to men — 
From that source only did the gods all ascend." 

Curtly then did Chaos refuse 

More of his realm or works to disclose. 

Little I heeded the refusal, however 

For the sights I beheld could appeal to me never. 

And anxious was I to return once more 

To she who guided the way to the shore 

Of the world half built and growing, 

For she alone was worth the knowing 

Of all immortals thus far met 

In guise of bird either white or jet. 

Again I mounted old Pegasus, — ■ 

Chaos drove two winged rodents— 



Resurrection of the Gods 33 

Away we flew through ethereal vastness 

And worlds were passed in moments. 

Through space we fled to Urder Font 

That place of meeting, high 

Where the gods of ancient days were wont 

Their laws to make and ply. 

While traveling thence, we rested 

At a place called, "Mimers Plain." 

And for a moment was I invested 

With the eyes of immortal and 

O, wondrous sights beheld I, 

With fearful apprehension 

Ghostly figures passing by 

Their numbers past comprehension. 

In the distance, I also saw 

The home of the gods of the south 

United now by solemn vow 

With the gods who rule the north. 

Chaos gave the pass word and but a moment were 

we retarded 
In passing o'er "Bi Frost" by G. safely guarded. 
At last we reached the banquet hall where Freyja 

had gone before us 
A place of lavish splendor, where sang an angel 

chorus. 
The place of tinted glass was made, 
The floor a crimson red. 
The walls were quite transparent. 
Blue, the tint o'erhead 
Wherein was mirrored scenes of present and of 

past 
Changing ever changing, each epoch grandly cast 



34 Resurrection of the Gods 



Beyond all human power to describe by pen or 

brush 
In nebulous waves, ethereal, the worlds passed 

in a rush. 
They; the photogravers — concentrated In the sky 
Revealed In slightest detail events to the gods on 

high. 
I, a mortal spirit, gazed thereon In rapture 
And beheld the deeds of valorous kings and other 

mortal creatures 
When passed the stories of gods and of worlds 

there depicted 
Those doubts to which I had ever been addicted 
Departed at once from my doubting soul 
When forced to review my own life's scroll. 

For before me there, like an earthly "movie film" 

I viewed my life In the earthly realm, — • 

The place wherein I first saw light 

And the deeds I'd done throughout my life. 

Thereon was traced my every act 
And compelled me to face the unhappy fact 
That my life had been one full of shame 
Yet that which caused me the greater pain 

Was the fact that I knew that my hosts knew well 
That my visiting place should have been In hell, 
And the pictures had proven, as all may perceive. 
The uselessness of trying, the gods to deceive. 



Resurrection of the Gods 35 

The deeds of each and their actions all 
The vile, the good, the great, the small 
Were here, indehbly imprinted forever 
On waves ethereal, carried thither — ■ 
And by that record, so the judges decide, 
Each mortal, by it, impartially tried. 

While engaged these scenes reviewing 
Chaos returned and inquired if I 
Would join in the banquet of welcome 
Heralding Freyja's return to the sky. 

The feast was truly a strange, strange sort 

Arranged upon a lengthy board 

Prepared, I learned, by Chaos' consort 

A sort of tea for her friendly horde — ■ 

Thus to honor upon her visit 

That goddess from the earth returned — • 

Who loved in manner so exquisite 

Is, throughout the universe of worlds. 

Instead of meats, and fruits of tree and vine 

Was the banquet board laden 

With ambrosial foods for gods divine 

And immortal glorious ladies 

Tho scant indeed the quantity 

The board with food supplied. 

'Twas of that strange quality 

That immortal life supplied. 

The dishes from gold were cast 

The purest ever known, 

The table of crystal glass 

With diamonds and rubies shone. 



36 Resurrection of the Gods 

The food of daintiest flavor. 
Seasoned with rarest spices 
Called to each his neighbor's favor 
And resembled earthly ices. 
A single dish and a single spoon, 
A single goblet of nectar 

Was given to each — from the king of the moon- 
All down the line to Hector. 
In joyous mood the gods conversed 
And beamed upon some mistress, 
While I — myself quite secretly cursed — 
My eyes caused the distress; 
For brilliant wit there was galore 
And sweet the silvery laughter. 
But not a face could I see more 
Than I could see the laughter. 

Chaos tried, indeed, to cheer me 

Freyja, too, was kind 

But mortal eyes yet were with me 

Sightless to forms divine. 

Dimly, tho, could I see outlined 

The ghostly figures near me 

As each one sipped his nectared wine 

Loved by them most dearly. 

Freyja, now in garb, her own 

Her swanly garb discarded 

Was quaintly questioned of my home — 

With curious eyes was I regarded — 

For be It known, all gods were free 

But some were loth to leave 



Resurrection of the Gods 37 



The home of their nativity 
Lest finding cause to grieve. 

Hector, now ordained a god, 
(Hero of the Trojan war) 
Asked a question most truly odd 
And wished to know how far 

'Twixt Greece and Crete 

Or if 'twere many leagues from Troy 

That first did Freyja meet 

A mortal whom she'd employ 

As dispenser of the tidings 

Concerning they, her mates. 

At last, loosed from hiding 

As decreed by the fates. 

And Helen, too — her sins repented. 

And for whom great Hector fought; 

So charmed the gods that they relented, 

Those gods who 'gainst her wrought, 

With power great but useless — 

And now admitted to their halls 

The one time great adultress 

To adorn their board or lead at balls. 

She questioned Freyja concerning Greece 

And still was worldly vain 

She wished to know concerning feasts 

And if fashions were yet the same.^ 

The feast at length was ended — 
The last allowed to me — 



38 Resurrection of the Gods 

Because such food with souls so blended 
That three, made a divinity. 
So, at least, I was by Freyja told 
While our journey we continued. 
She now garbed as an eagle bold 
I, upon Pegasus pinioned. 

We soared now to Jotenheim 
And viewed in giant land 
The giants: — rude as in olden times 
An uncouth monster band. 

A moment sufficed for inspection 

Of a race of unlettered creatures 

Devoid of all godly perfection 

Weirdly strange in all their features. 

Their homes were still within great caves. 

Unshapely were their garments; 

Their food, they ate, with wooden staves, 

And often they ate "varmints." 

Passing thence we proceeded 

To where imprisoned spirits dwell, 

— All anguished cries of theirs unheeded, — • 

That awful land called Hell. 

There I saw a monster great, 

Like none I'd before beheld. 

'Twas labeled Love, but beamed with hate ' 

And 'gainst meeting it my soul rebelled. 

'Twas the personification (in form of snake) 

Of earthly monster known as Creed. 

There was Creed upon a throne 



Resurrection of the Gods 39 

In those infernal regions 
And seemed, indeed, she quite at home 
Commanding slaves by legions. 
Worshiping there, that monster of slime, 
Were myriads of priests from every clime, — 
Priests who'd robbed poor widows gaily 
Of their tear stained copper pennies. 
Who, if perchance a penny fail them 
They'd at once condemn the many 
And tell them of that torrid region 
Where they are wont to go — 
Where satan, with his horrid legions 
In fiery pits, their souls would stow. 

On earth their coats were of many hues 

Of costly silks and laces. 

Diamond studded were their shoes 

When appearing in public places. 

But now, alas! the clothes they wore. 

And must for ages yet, 

l^ook like unto some hardware 

Store's display advertisement. 

Of a million pennies all tied together 

That weigh a ton or two 

Their coats are made and will last forever 

Yet they pray to wear them through. 

Tearful of eye and with tangled hair 
Were myriads and myriads of women, there 
Some sad eyed and tearful and moaning 
Hearts enhungered, praying and yearning 
While some of their sisters in woe 



40 Resurrection of the Gods 



With hate and with anger aglow, 

Their hearts as hard in hell's great gloom 

As were they when they caused their doom. 

While passing o'er the motley throng 

Beheld I one I'd known for long — 

Long had I known her in that former state 

And wondered I much at this, — her fate. 

Curious to learn, I sought information 

Of the keeper of the book labeled "Damnation." 

There was her name in ink of red 

"Written with blood," so the keeper said. 

The blood of a heart so grievous sore 

It furnished that blood and could bleed no more. 

Beneath the name of her, once revered. 

Were written the charges 'gainst her preferred. 

"A craven at heart, with a witching smile 

She sent to the scaifold her lover — beguiled — 

Beguiled by her into a dream of bliss — 

The dream of one forbidden kiss. 

The kiss enraptured, she freely gave 

But, alas! false honor would she save. 

Reckless of grief to her lover, or shame. 

Falsely seeking a virtuous fame 

Decried she, him unto her lord 

(Deceived and jealous country bard) 

As ravisher of virtue and low and base 

Too mean to dwell amid the race. 

Inflamed with passion, devoid of reason. 

Discerning not the woman's liaison 

A mob of fools, all false of justice 

Proclaiming each, himself quite lustless 

Enthronged the place and round and round 



Resurrection of the Gods 41 



The hapless lover with cords was bound. 

With the scythe of death was he then smitten 

A sacrifice to the law, "Unwritten." 

Thus was she enthroned upon 

A pinnacle of fame and won renown 

With which, and a face of masked deceit. 

She her sins did oft repeat. " 

Now— in hell, — her soul hypnotized ^ 

By satan, the prince and father of lies. 
■ She's made to see with her distorted mind 

Her lovers pass by in continuous line. 

Hails she each with despairing wail 

And wonders and wonders why now they iai 

To comfort her there in hell's gloomy shade. 

For one by one they approach and fade 

SmiUng a smile in derision and glee 

Gloating, she thinks, o'er her misery. 

Thus she's doomed for ages yet. 

Her soul to hunger in hell's black jet, 

Ever hoping, calling, crying _ 

For comfort, for love, undymg, undying. 

A single love, by her once despised 

Is that for which she cries and cries. 

The sights so sad near rended my brain 
And begged I of Freyja to return again 
Unto the earth once so despised 
But which now seemed near a paradise 
Beside those depths of misery and gloom 
Where evil man must meet his doom. 
Freyja, however, tho generally kind 
To lead me home, resolutely declined 



42 Resurrection of the Gods 

Until — she explained — leading the way 

O'er legions of souls all filled with dismay. 

Haunted with visions of passion's regrets, 

And the tormenting dreams that evil begets — 

Until I beheld the torture in store 

For such of mankind as are wont to ignore 

The God-given counsels delivered to man 

To aid in lengthening his life's short span. 

Onward and onward we sailed through the murk 

In which, it seemed, vile devils lurked, 

Until, at length, we arrived at a glen 

Set apart by Satan for vicious men — 

Men born to lust — unconscionable brutes 

Who pay for their crimes by eating crime's fruits. 

Therein I saw a man of deceit 

Known on earth to be a cheat 

Yet so adept at hiding his liaisons 

He was deemed a Beau Brummel by maids of all 

fashion. 
King of good fellows and winner of hearts 
Cupid used him for sailing his darts. 
Thus, in league, did the deceitful twain 
Wound maidens by score so true was their aim. 
Mocking with laughter at the havoc wrought. 
The promises made and at once forgot. 
He sailed his life's craft on a river of glee 
And merrily maimed souls of sweet virginity. 
But the misery on earth all caused by him 
Is classed, in hell, as an unpardonable sin. 
And the torture he suffers is much the same 
As that endured by she of 111 fame. 
The murderess of a heart as true as gold, 
Slain because her sins, he ne'er told. 



Resurrection of the Gods 43 

In gay attire and with happy mien 

Passing by in an endless train — • 

Or, so there are in his imagination 

Distorted to further his condemnation, — 

Damsels of beauty and rarest grace 

Passing through this most hideous place — 

Passing near him and he thinks, Alas! 

As each appears she'll be the last. 

In anguish then, — in agonized terror 

He pleads for release from the awful horror 

Of remaining alone with his darksome dreams 

For the endless years and then endless aeons 

To suffer alive tho seemingly dead 

According to the sentence by Satan read. 

Those souls who'd sinned in less degree 
Were appointed to places of less misery. 
Some suffered only imprisonment 
Devoid alone of freedom's enjoyment. 
Some of these groups were laughable sights 
And, tho sad for them, did I laugh at their plight. 
A group of rhymsters I pitied but smiled at 
When beholding the torments they seemed to be 

roiled at. 
Satan knew well of their many delusions 
And delighted in reading their foolish effusions. 
And hear them chide each one the other 
For the miserable jingles they had gotten together. 
He'd also placed them in a barren expanse 
Where nothing of beauty could their enjoyment 

enhance 
But nevertheless they'd write and they'd scribble 



44 Resurrection of the Gods 

Praising the beauty about them with dribble. 
They imagined themselves in flowery dells 
Listening, enraptured, at the chiming of bells 
From the steeples of churches of beauty and 

grandeur 
Where with some loved one it pleased them to 

wander. 
Or mayhap they'd dream of a rainbow near 
Whereon was seated, from an unknown sphere, 
Some idyllic creature, who'd beckon them nigh 
And plead for their love — "without which they 

would die." 
Then would old Satan enjoy seeing their shame 
By causing, a moment, their minds to be sane. 
Some would then find themselves attempting to 

climb 
A non-extant rainbow, while others would find 
Their loves and the churches and chiming church 

bells 
To be but delusions of rhymsters in hell. 

'Twas the last place, by Freyja's decree 
That she, in hell would show to me; 
And as we sailed to worlds above 
My mind, with vexing questions strove. 
Freyja, however, discerning my strife 
Concerning hell and death and life 
Proceeded to raise the dark clouds of doubt 
That encompassed my soul all round about 
And told me of mysteries undreamed before 
Of days to come and of days of yore. 
The cause and result of the actions of men 



Rei urrection of the Go ds 45 

Of nations and worlds through space without end. 

She told me why the gods must rule 

And plant, on earth, that ancient school 

For which men long, to fill the void 

Caused through worship of a single God. 

And for this reason — 'yet not it alone — ■ 

The gods again seek to enthrone 

Each himself above the earth 

Thus to guard, e'en from birth 

Each mortal. According to the hour and day 

Will determine which of the gods shall sway 

That mortal's footsteps throughout his life — 

Whether a road of ease or a path of strife. 

'Tis a law upon truth founded 

Tho too seldom here expounded — 

That when mortal's first breath's taken 

And to forces near does waken 

To harmony's laws does he respond 

And in that instant his future's found." 

From the land of misery and shame, 

From the land of sin and pain, 

We swiftly together sped 

Through clouds of mist and rain 

Upward and upward again 

Swiftly to earth we fled. 

The sight was a joy to the senses, 

(Hell has its recompenses) 

For now the earth seemed to me dearer. 

I longed with a longing of love 

As I gazed at it far, far above 

To embrace it, — The earth — oncenothing drearier. 



46 Resurrection of the Gods 

Those realms wherein the gods held sway too 

frigid were 
Hela's home too much sorrow held too much woe 

and fear 
No longer had I desire within such realms to 

roam. 
The giants too uncouthly were and caused too 

great distress 
For one to eat of their wretched food or share 

alike their dress. 
Happiness welled within me when viewing my 

home sweet home. 

In a forest of the northland — a forest dark as 

night — 
There is where we rested when at last we ceased 

our flight. 
Questioned I then of Freyja — What could her 

object be. 
Her answer was surprising — to me, an earthly 

man. 
Said she, ^Tll introduce you to dear old Piper Pan 
Who dwells within the forest yet whom mortals 

fail to see." 

Straightway then she signaled to a moth of 

brilliant hue 
Daintily sipping honey from a flower damp with 

dew. 
And bade it with a gesture to bring at once its 

mistress. 



Resurrection of the Gods 47 



In just an instant more, to my great amaze, 

A nymph stood there beside me, — my mind was 

in a haze. 
In vain for speech I struggled — my wits were in 

distress. 

'Twas the self same nymph I met before 

I with Freyja, aloft did soar. 

Her beauty all too glorious to be by pen described 

And think I, none could paint it, tho for ages tried. 

Not alone her beauty that filled my soul with 

pleasure 
Her grace and charm of manner were yet the 

greater treasure. 
Her eyes of soothing blackness, like rippling pools 

at night 
Were wells of power and mystery, and I'd tremble 

with delight 
When gazing in their depths and gain but just 

a glimpse 
Of wisdom hidden there and also mischief imps. 

For a moment too I wondered anent the queer 

sensations — 
It seemed my flesh had clothed me and I felt my 

heart's pulsations. 
The nymph also seemed human rather than a 

wraith 
And Pan, — when he appeared — I swear by my 

faith— 
His hairy legs and cloven feet and likewise too 

his horns 



48 Resurrection of the Gods 

Were very like a creature's of earthly creature born. 

And turning then to Freyja to seek an explanation 

I found that she'd deserted (to my consternation) 

The nymph however perceived 

The thoughts that kept me grieved 

And explained it was the nature 

Of gods, like earthly creature, 

(Or those of lesser birth) 

To be as men of earth. 

She also said I well might doubt 

I, to be, my flesh without. 

Very soon indeed, was I made to feel at ease 
With dear old Pan the Piper and his my nymph 

of the trees. 
And immediately was taken to a dreamland place 

of joy 
Where first, v/as I made acquainted with little 

Cupid boy. 
Ever alert for mischief with bow and arrow too 
E'er I was aware he'd pierced me through and 

through. 

The pain and the pleasure alternate so nearly 

equalized 
Bereft me of my senses and my speech was 

paralyzed. 
Then Hke a slave did I submit to this nymphian 

sorceress 
Who proved herself, like all her sex, a first class 

torturess. 



Resurrection of the Gods 49 



With a string of promise unto the arrow tied 

Whose barb found lodgment and a safety place to 
hide 

Within my heart — I'd vainly thought was ada- 
mant 

Until the nymph attached the string, then — 
vanished my contentment 1 

From Cupid's bower she led me round and round 
Lashed unto her fateful string as tho some poor 

hound. 
Into a garden of fruits of various and many sizes 
Wandered we together where I met with strange 

surprises. 

When beside the nearest tree, with fruit mis- 
shapen, laden. 
The nymph unloosed the string of promise and 

left me free as Adam. 
I thought perchance the fruit might bring me 

better luck 
And on tiptoes did I reach out, a single one to 

pluck. 
I grasped it tightly in my hand and wondered — 

shall I eat it.? 
The nymph then nodded her consent and said, — 

"Perhaps you need it." 
I wondered at the mischief imps dancing in her 

eyes 
And when I'd bitten into it imagine my surprise — 
The peel as tough as rubber was filled with bitter 

gall 



50 Resurrection of the Gods 



It strangled me near unto death — I thought I'd 

surely fall. 
When at last I breathed again — of the tree I 

asked about 
"Why, dear sir," the nymph replied, "that's the 

tree of doubt." 

Just then from out the tree, uncannily, these 

words were spoken 
"Thou art a very foolish fellow and by that very 

token 
Unless thou cease 
To spoil thy peace 

And permit love's spell to be by doubting broken 
Thou shalt the sport of fickle fortune be forever. 
And tho thou seekest e'en for ages, shalt thou 

never 
Know love's sweet joy 
But Instead a base alloy 
A counterfeit of Satan's and sting unknown to 

Cupid's quiver." 

"Aye, O well!" I murmured In distress, 
"Knew I not the road was thus, 
Yet, however, would I discover 
More anent the lot of lover 
Thus to warn quixotic man 
'Gainst the nymphs of Piper Pan." 

Ere the words had left my lips 
I knew I'd spoken quite amiss 
Her eyes, In haughty scorn, flashed to me a danger. 



Resurrection of the Gods 5 ^ 



Quickly then sought I, to mollify her anger. 

With speech most gentle forsooth 

I sought, her temper, to soothe. 

I told her 'twas but just a jest and nothing pleased 

me so 
As did, it thus, to roam with her and prayed that 

we might go 
And search for some adventure, to while away the 

time. 
To this did she assent and it seemed to ease her 

mind. 

She then took up the string of promise to which 
she kept me tied 

Naught, could I, but follow her, no matter how I 
tried. 

She led me then adown a walk (a narrow little 
lane) 

Adorned one side with booths, some of which were 
plain 

And some of rich design on either side were stand- 
ing. 

One of these we entered, the sights were so com- 
manding ^ 

It almost made me dizzy to view such glorious 
splendor. 

"And," thought I, "Old Pan is rich, likewise a 
lavish spender." 

For here enclosed from every land and every 
clime 

Were growing fruits and flowers from every tree 
and vine. 



52 Resurrection of the Gods 



Clustered about in merry mood were many tiny 

groups 
Of nymphs of rarest beauty with escorts eating 

fruits. 
In the midst of this rare scene was a group of 

dancers swaying 
To those weird rhythmic strains of music that old 

Piper Pan was playing. 

The floor on which their feet were patting 
Was a sheet of gold soft as matting, 
Yet withal 'twas sufficiently firm 
To glide upon, and made me yearn 
To join the throng of dancers. 

But the dance to me was entirely new 
And lacked I grace sufficient too; 
So stood aside 
And watched them glide — 
Conscious of their glances. 

Straightway thence to a booth called Regret 
The nymph led me, where, in a mirror, I met 
The distorted features of my soul in remorse 
For things longed for yet forever lost. 

A sight indeed to create disgust 
The sight of my soul writhing in dust 
Ashamed to acknowledge (tho knowing well) 
Its own sheer follies drove it to this hell. 



Resurrection of the Gods 53 

A heil of torment, caused through fear, — 
The fear to claim all it held dear 
And grasp as was its God-given right, 
Those things which make a day of night. 

While viewing myself thus distorted 
An awful voice from the mirror shouted, — • 
"Behold thou, mortal, the distress and despair 
Bequeathed to one who did not dare — 

Dared not grasp the best on earth 
Which, by right, is his since birth 
But yet was squandered and left to he, — 
He who dares and wills that good must be. 

See not thou the nymph who leads thee 
Carest not that she were thine .^ 
Why submit to this her tyranny 
Aimlessly led as one quite blind .^" 

Berated I then myself a fool 

To be led about with a string and dart 

Quite as tho an inanimate tool 

Yet — , how could I free my stricken heart .^ 

It ached with pain which yet was joy. 
For fateful promise which led me on 
Fused the pain to a pleasant alloy 
And bade forebodings all, begone. 

And so, fascinated and enraptured 
I followed whithersoever she led me 



54 Resurrection of the Gods 

Knowing quite well that my soul was captured 
And I questioned myself,^ — "Would she wed me?" 

While thusly engaged at surmising 
And dreaming sweet dreams of the future 
We stopped at a tree of the devil's devising 
Which required life's blood for its nurture. 

'Twas a tree most heavily laden 
With a fruit of great beauty and splendor 
And all who passed by it were bidden 
By a voice most charming and tender 

To partake of the fruit of dear Hope 
So luscious and sweet to behold 
But which to the taste is as rope — 
Disappointing to both young and old. 

Questioned I, then my fair captor 
Sought I, to learn of her why, 
Man must be an adapter 
To circumstance until he die? 

"Why do his dreams turn to ashes? 
Why is his end but despair? 
What is It crosses his wishes? 
Why does Hope's fruit seem so fair?" 

"Not by word did she answer me 
But hand in hand we forward went 
Unto a knarled and unkept tree 
Labeled most vividly — Ill-content. 



Resurrrtion of the Gods 55 

A voice then whispered from within its branches 
" Partake of the fruit so dear to man 
Unlovely indeed, yet the taste entrances 
As does none other in the garden of Pan." 

'Twas a luscious fruit, tho yet unsightly 
And as I ate, still more I craved 
Guessed I then (I think quite rightly) 
Discontent, is that which makes man most en- 
slaved. 

Enslaved is man thro discontent 
And e'en tho hope is realized 
Discontent cries, "Illusionment, " 
And so all joys are mimimized. 

The nymph then looked so wistfully — 
I wondered why 'twas so 
Until I found her telling me 
'Twas time that I should go. 

Said she, "'Tis seldom that we meet with mortals 

here 
And I long to have you with us and talk to you 

and hear 
About the world wherein you dwell throughout 

your life's span 
For know you I am prisoner unto great Piper Pan. 

"Not that he mistreats me that fain would I go 
But often I grow weary with the pomp of things 
you know. 



56 Resurrection of the Gods 



7\nd long to feel the thrill of mortal beings' warmth 
Such as I have noted they all possess on earth. 

*' Ah! such is the glory of the happiness they know 
(The burning kiss of passion 'twixt two lovers 

true) 
That I've often sought to leave my decorous 

realms of grandeur 
And become a mortal creature with e'en their 

lack of polished manner. 

"For here, tho gay," she continued pensively and 

languid, 
Her voice athrill with emotion until it slightly 

trembled 
"Our joys are too ethereal and lack the human 

heart 
So filled with joy and tenderness and Oh! Oh! the 

warmth, — 

"The warmth of burning pleasure such as I have 

seen 
'Twixt lovers true, hidden from their kind within 

the forest sheen 
But, Ah me!" exclaimed she, her voice full of 

sadness, 
"Pan refuses me permission and says my hopes 

are madness." 

Then I told her of my sorrow thus to see her mourn 
Gently pleading that I aid her to leave her prison 
home. 



Resurrection of the Gods 57 

I begged her to flee with me and declared to her 

my love 
And boasted too, I feared not e'en the gods above. 

Tho I'm sure my heart v/as quaking, boasting 

thus to her 
Whom I was sure knew the gods filled me with 

fear. 
However, I continued, and most passionately 

pleaded 
Telling her 'twas courage only that she needed. 

Yet I feared her knowledge of mortal man was 
meagre 

Thus to praise them for their joys with such un- 
bounded eager 

So I told her of their sorrows — How they love and 
hate 

How their love is but seemly and that it, of which 
they prate 

Is but a cloak for hiding devious ways for gaining 
In a manner lawful (because devoid of maiming) 
Those things they covet mostly — that belong unto 

a brother 
Nor is there aught that's sacred 'twixt one another. 

They prate of love for Christ, I said, and teach 

that his plan 
Is the first and only one for each and every man 
Yet, because one prays at eve while his brother 

prays at morn 



58 Resurrction of the Gods 



Each unto the other says, — "Your worship is all 
wrong. " 

And so they quarrel and bicker without the least 

of reason 
Damn they each the other in each and everv 

season. 
"Tell me then, nymph," with her I pleaded, 
"Hast thou the haunts of men visited and heeded. 

Or is it not that thy knowledge of man consists 
Of what thou hast seen within the forest midst?" 
My words had clouded her pretty face 
A tiny frown on her brow made trace. 

Puzzled and askance, a picture of woe — 

Wounded her heart, as by mortal blow. 

She answered me; doubting it seemed 

The truth of my words, — as if I'd blasphemed. 

"True," she answered, "I'm quite unallowed 
To visit those regions 'yond the forest's shroud 
And the words you've spoken are a cruel blow 
To one whose learned to love mortals so. 

'"'Tis quite beyond all my conceiving 

That mortal could be so deceiving 

And why, I pray, can such misery be.^ 

O, shame! O, shame! that such can be." 

She noted my surprise at this her confession 

Of such slight knowledge of man her possession, 



Resurrection of the Gods 59 



And hastened at once to me to explain 
The cause of her ignorance for which she felt 
shame. 

"All nymphs," she said, "of Piper Pan 
Are held within bonds of the sacred plan 
As, too, the gods; tho with less restraint 
Yet, often they even voice a plaint. 

"And so, sir mortal, 'tis as you've stated 

My knowledge, by you, was no doubt overrated. 

For all that I know of mortal man 

I have learned it here in the realm of Pan. 

"But O, how my being has thrilled with joy 
(And, alas! my dreams are shattered now,) 
What joy I've known when mortals would appear 
Within the forest, my native sphere. 

"For with accents sweet and voices athrill 
They bespeak their joy at sight of a rill; 
And chant they songs of each shrub and tree 
Their happiness unbounded! their lives so free! 

"How often have I stood a pace or two aside. 
Watching happy lovers or perchance a groom and 

bride — 
Watching them embracing anon as they'd stroll 
And truly did their actions at times seem very 

droll. 



6o Resurrection of the Gods 

"Then when they slumbered I have favored them 

with dreams 
Just to keep them quiet and thus by that means 
Have I often lain beside them, nestled in their 

arms 
Just to feel the pleasure of my body growing 

warm. 

" For O! " she cried in anguish, " 'tis that for which 

I pine 
The warmth of mortal blood, denied to all divine; 
Our bodies frail and frigid, — transparent too to 

men 
Feel not the heat of passion nor yet the love they 

ken." 

"Nymph, I interrupted, if thusly I can please 
Henceforth, I shall sleep, ever beneath the trees. 
But, pray tell me — Has it ever been my lot 
To share with such a beauty my lonely cot.^ 

"And if Fve been so favored — tell me of my 

dreams — 
What the spell you wrought — tell me of the themes 
Did I dream of sunny climes or northlands 
And waken with a fever or chilled as Boreas's 

hands.?" 

"No tales I tell to flatter sir," she answered me, 
"But if perchance a nymph hath ever slept with 

thee 
Thou couldst not dream of tropic homes. 
More like, 'twere frost disturbed thy bones. " 



Resurrection of the Gods 6i 

So thus at last I comprehended 

How my pleasant rest was oft' times ended 

Beneath the covers that should have kept me 

warm 
When sleeping within the realms of Pan 
Where fragrant breezes so near to calm 
Seemed bent on causing some frigid harm. 

However, was I not allowed much time 

For reflecting on those ills of mine 

Those wrongs I'd fancied to be Boreas's jesting 

Which, now I knew must have been 

Stolen warmth by nymphs of Pan 

Stealings made while I was in slumber resting. 

For yet again did the nymph remind me 

That I should hasten to where Freyja'd find me. 

Thus to continue my journey as planned 

And ere I left (just to prove my love) 

I sought to embrace my nymphian dove 

And tried, a kiss, on her brow to emplant. 

But she deftly escaped me and left me alone 
Fled she in fear and I heard her moan, 
As into the distance she vanished. 
And I feared that I'd wronged her 
Because of ill thots that thronged her 
Because of the love I'd have lavished. 

Standing there in contemplation 
Of the strangeness of all creation, 
And wondering why this nymph had fled; 



62 Resurrection of the Gods 

Who might have known, and did, no doubt, 
That I loved her only with a love devout. 
A voice from a near by tree then said, 

"Why ponder thus o'er facts so patent 

If knowst thyself; 'tis most certain 

That shouldst thou love thou wouldst not attempt 

eluding 
The object of thy desires 
That causes thy passion's fires 
To burn so brightly that all else is excluded. 

But not like thee 

Can the female see 

And so acts contrariwise. 

But thou hast lost 

Both lover and host 

And must seek elsewhere a paradise." 

In vain I plead for the nymph's return 
The voice but laughed to hear me mourn, 
And sadly, at last, turned I to flee. 
Haunting regrets and memories' pains 
Occupied now my miseried brain 
And I longed for the void of an eternity. 

The forest so dark, of giant trees 
Swayed lazily about in the mildest breeze 
And chanted a dismal dirge. 
While forward I, with miseries pent. 
Forlorn, forsaken, aimlessly went 
Until reaching at last the forest's verge. 



Resurrection of the Gods 63 

Where — ^joy of my heart! Sweet Freyja stood, 
And pleasantly greeted me — Freyja, the good. 
"Welcome sir!" she cried In tones so vibrant with 

cheer 
That my heart grew gay Instanter and vanished 

all sorrow and fear. 

But when I attempted recounting to her my tales 

of woe 
She chlded me for such gossip with just two words 

—"I know" 
And forbade me to tell of my troubles and In 

truth made light of my sorrow 
And told me to forget that at once for great was 

the work for the morrow. 

Said she, "Preparest thou therefore and soothe thy 

mind with rest 
A couch shall be brought forth at once, — one of 

the very best. " 
So saying, Freyja called In some miraculous 

manner 
A troop of minutest elves, each with a twig as 

banner. 

I watched them each and all deposit their mighty 

portion 
And when the task was finished was a bed as soft 

as the ocean. 
I noted then also, with a smile quite slyly mine. 
She'd had the bed made distant — where the 

nymphs could never find. 



64 Resurrection of the Gods 



For nymphs cannot emerge without the forest's 

shade, 
And I questioned of myself — -"Could Freyja be 

afraid — 
Afraid that I'd lose slumber through some 

nymphian rogue 
Seeking warmth from the body of a mortal, 

'neath a robe?" 

'Neath a robe of silken fibres woven from the trees 
By a myriad of little elfins who did it just to 

please 
The great and lovely Freyja — goddess of them all; 
Goddess of the great is Freyja, likewise goddess 

of the small. 

I wondered too that a single bed was made — 
Freyja smiled derision when those my thots she 

read. 
But I less adept at divining the plans she had 
Determined then to question her tho I knew 

I risked my head. 

So I asked most meekly where she intended 

sleeping 
Telling her 'twas irksome for elves to go a-seeking 
After fall of night for leaves for other couches 
Being too, too dangerous for them to carry torches. 
And I proffered her my couch, all, if she required 
"For," I concluded, "you also, must be tired." 
She looked at me as tho dismayed that I should 

thus aspire 



Resurrection of the Gods 65 

To share my couch with one so great — ^with station 
so much higher. 

Still, her happy sense of humor preserved me from 

extinction 
Tho a million elfins laughed with her and made 

shame my great affliction. 
"Mortal creature that thou art, I forgive thee 

thy delusion 
But Freyja goes to sleep alone where e'en the gods 

tempt no Intrusion. 

"So sleep thou well nor let the nymphs disturb 

thee. 
Thou, a holler love shalt find, ere long, to curb 

thee." 
Saying which, Freyja left me there alone 
Vanishing. Whlther-f* I have never known. 

Puzzled my soul and awearled of bone 

I timidly crept to my bed, — 'alone. 

Too wearied Indeed to think or to ponder 

O'er events of the day so fraught with such wonder. 

And doubting my senses and fearing to venture 
Contemplating at all concerning the future. 
Oblivion I sought In the arms of Morpheus 
Beloved of the weary! Holy son of Somnus. 

Tho arising at dawn, Freyja was soon at my side 
Leading the winged steed which she stated I 
should ride. 



66 Resurrection of the Gods 



She bade me mount at once, saying, "We must 

hasten." 
I murmured somewhat — discontent — because no 

food I'd eaten. 

She scorned to heed my uncouth misbehavior, 
Saying, it was ill to think of food save as just a 

savior, 
And then, with but the minutest gesture 
Bade my body to remain that thus it could not 

pester, — 

Could not pester the flight for which she'd made 
arrangements 

And off we flew together regardless of my argu- 
ments. 

I regretted indeed the loss of my poor form of clay 

But Freyja assured its return later in the day. 

It took but a scant hour for she and I to fly 
To where I first met her — within the desert dry. 
And there I met again those gods in feathered 

form 
That I had feared before, were intent on doing 

harm. 

But whom I met with pleasure now, nor feared I 

they at all 
For royally had they treated me, each of them and 

all. 
They'd arranged the place for comfort since last 

I was there 



Resurrection of the Gods 67 

A bower of beautiful trees, — vine covered every- 
where. 

A spring of crystal water gushed forth from the 

hill 
The fruit of some great power — someone's mighty 

will, — 
Arranged about were seats threaded with spun 

gold. 
Through a curtain of spraying water almost icy 

cold, 

The air was passing alway, which made it pure 

and sweet, 
A carpet of velvet grass grew now beneath our 

feet; 
A table, too, was there laden with delicious dishes, 
Wine and fruit galore, to satisfy our wishes. 

When the greetings were all over 'twixt Freyja 

and her friends 
They began cajoling her anent her mission's ends 
Accused they her of seeking to win a mortal's love 
(Being uncontent with all immortals from above.) 

Some clamored for the privilege of being an 

escort 
Thus her plans of conquest to, in a measure, 

thwart. 
He who clamored most was no doubt a god of 

splendor 
Tho poorly could I judge, (he in guise of gander.) 



68 Resurrection of the Gods 

Tho, yet his voice and manner of a most coura- 
geous kind 

Proved a vigorous body as well as brilliant mind. 

I could illy keep from smiling at the oddity of the 
sight 

And at length I told to Freyja that I thought it 
wasn't right 

For such gods as they to thus parade 

Before one whose acquaintance each of them had 

made. 
"Why, I'm surprised!" Freyja exclaimed to me, 
"Lovest thou not the birds .^ Thinkest thou 

them unlovely.?" 

"Nay," I answered, "but according to a mortal's 

mind 
A bird is lovely only when possessed of a bird's 

mind. 
But rather 'tis incongruous and seems to them 

absurd 
To hear the voice of humans spoken by a bird." 

"'Tis ill that thou shouldst criticise," she gently 

cautioned me, 
"But," she then continued, "If our dress offend 

thee — 
Just to make you happy and contented in your 

mind 
The gods shall appear to thee as beings of your 

kind." 



Resurrection of the Gods 69 



So, behold ! When I looked again 

The gods appeared as supermen 

And Freyja too became a girl 

Like unto those who fill and fool the world. 

I, too, received my form of clay — 

How it arrived I cannot say 

When all were bidden to sit at the table 

To relieve it of its burden as much as we were able. 

While round the bounteous board we sat and each 

with the other jested 
The gods the merrier grew, the longer that they 

feasted. 
For an hour or more in jovial mood they gossiped, 
While I wondered about their dignity — fearing 

they had lost it. 

At length however they changed their mood and 

began to question me. 
And also tell about their plans, and I listened to 

all attentively. 
Thor spoke first, and tho in kindly tone, I was 

indeed affrighted 
Because of the weirdness of his voice — this god 

so very mighty. 

Said he, "Sir Mortal, what is thine choice .f* W^ho 
wilt thou in future serve. 

This god whom none hath seen nor wilt commun- 
ion have 



70 Resurrection of the Gods 

With mortals who dwell on earth, nor wilt their 

pleadings heed 
Nor seems will serve another than he who's born 

to greed ? 

"This God whom christians claim, 'The just 

and only one,' 
Who yet permits on earth, the rankest injustice 

done, — 
I, who am master of intrigues and wars 
And delight, in common with my companion 

Mars 

"To behold the heroism of mortals upon a 

battlefield 
Would yet, to the cry of orphans some pity yield. 
Have I not beheld, within the recent past 
Widows and orphans in millions for days not 

break their fast. 

To me, this God of whom christians prate 
Appears, not a God of love but rather one of hate, 
One who jeers at sorrows and finds pleasure in 

the pain 
Of all who are not of kingly birth; and delights in 

the heaps of slain. 

When we were overthrown by the power of the 

goodly Christ 
Took we our punishment unmurmuringly: 'Twas 

the fault of a great one's vice. 



Resurrection of the Gods 71 

One whose power grew so great here upon this 

earth 
That mortals still do worship him — -even from 

their birth. 

I speak of he called Mammon, the youngest god 

ofaU 
Who sits alone at table in yonder end of hall. 
Who. sits alone at table nor joins us in our feasts 
Lest he lose a drop of wine or a morsel of his meats. 

We seek now to dethrone him and leave him on 

earth to dwell 
For such ungainly creatures are fit for but earth 

or hell. 
Therefore, ere thou lea vest, to judge him thou 

art asked, 
After the feast the trial shall be, altho 'twere an 

irksome task. 

Thereby, ye see, sir mortal, how just we shall be 
The rewards of every mortal, likewise his destiny 
Shall be granted according to the virtues that 

are his or hers 
Therefore, again I ask, sir mortal, who wilt thou 

in future serve .^" 

"Truly, Thor, " I answered, "the sights I've 

seen of late 
Together with the kindness that you've shown 
Makes me long very much to partake 
Of the bounties of such a throne. 



72 Resurrection of the Gods 



But then 'twere a task to a mortal most severe 
To break allegiance and all ties sever 
From that God he's been taught to fear 
And for whom the claim is made there is none 
other. 

And yet thy accusations seem to me most just 

For well I know of the miseries endured through- 
out this life 

But we've been promised compensation when 
our bones are turned to dust 

And the compensation greatest to him of greatest 
strife." 

"So indeed!" the great Thor replied, "to some 

extent 'tis true 
But compensation, only will be given unto him 

to whom it's due 
To him who is unschooled in the workings of the 

soul 
Will at last find compensation Is not paid in gold. 

"And the struggle must continue and he whose 
soul's so sordid 

That it cannot harmony's laws comprehend 

Will find himself unable, when the soul is free to 
soar. 

To keep his soul Intact and 'twill be lost forever- 
more. 

"Like unto the dumb beasts his soul will separ- 
ate — 



Resurrection of the Gods 73 

Divide into atoms and reach the primal state — 
And he who'll be rewarded and rewarded quite 

the most 
Will be the one whose soul is farthest 'bove the 

bestial hosts." 

"Thy words are quite confounding," at length I 

answered Thor, 
"The Christ we love taught to us very much the 

same. 
And it's strange to me to hear such words from 

thou, the god of war, 
And I'm much inclined to follow thee till at least 

I find it vain." 

A resounding cheer rang out while high their 
glasses held, 

The gods and goddesses each (their faces shone 
delight) 

Greeted me their first convert, while heavenly 
music knelled 

"Death to Christianity, — mankind's most wretch- 
ed night." 

"Hark! ye gods!" I then explained, intonating 

ridicule. 
We mortals think, — and, too, with the best of 

reason 
That we've progressed far more since we've 

followed Christ's good rule. 
To deny it were but folly and to truth attempted 

treason. 



74 Resurrection of the Gods 



And surely the world's less wretched than 'twas 

in your day 
And the night of which your elfins sing and chant 
Is less wretched, is it not, than when ye held sway? 
Lest I've been mistaught your statements are 

but cant." 

"Nay," the gods then answered me, "quite true 

that misery thrived, 
But the reason's not the same today as when we 

lived. 
Wretchedness then was born through fear of 

tyrants' might 
And man would not so fear today except they're 

taught 'tis right. 

"Wretchedness today is caused alone through 

fear. 
They're taught 'tis wrong to seek their own — all, 

all that's dear. 
Hypocrites, who are your rulers, threaten with 

the wrath 
Of that God they know, is but a fear inspiring 

myth. 

"And so men languish in chains of shame. 
Chains of superstition, the chains of poverty and 

ill fame. 
Once remove their cause for fear — so vile, 
And no longer will they, to masters be servile. 



Resurrection of the Gods 75 

"And that's the work for thee, according to oui 
plan, 

Eradicate the curse of fear from all your fellow- 
man. 

Teach them to praise the gods of poesy who now 
will be supreme. 

We gods reward the vaHant and make their lives 
serene. 

"Go thou first and build a shrine to the immortal 

thou lovest most. 
Build it not of pretentious size to awe the vulgar 

hosts. 
Use not thou, rare stones but rather vines and 

trees, 
Build thou it to suit thine self, 'twill the gods 

most please. 

"Seek ye then our aid and all the gods shall foster 
All thy plans and cause that they mature. Thou 

shalt truly prosper. 
When your disciples are numbered by scores, as 

truly they shall be — 
Permit them each to choose his own divinity." 

Our attention was now directed to Mammon, 

where at his lonely feast 
(A sorry aspect he, uncouth in truth, in manner,) 
He smacked his lips in satisfaction much as 

might a beast 
And swept aside his dishes all, creating a noisy 

clatter. 



76 Resurrection of the Gods 



With frowning brow and eyes downcast, 
No word of greeting for his friends at board 
The length of the room he shuffled past, 
Apparently dreaming of his gold mad hordes. 

But ere he traversed the length again — 
Amidst a tense and ominous silence, — 
Thor arose and called his name 
And begged the pleasure of an audience. 

All were then to seats, in a semi-circle arranged, 

Led forth to try a god whose company no longer 
was desired 

Because of his selfish manner he had made him- 
self estranged; 

In the murk of greed and conquest his sordid self 
was mired. 

I, by a god, was ushered unto the judge's seat. 
While Mammon sat quite near, — ill humor was 

his mien — 
No jurors there nor witnesses as with gods 'twas 

meet 
Since none would stoop to an untruth and thus 

his honor stain. 

Then Thor at once began the sins of Mammon to 
state. 

He told of all his grievous faults, that were to 
them at least, 

So great they could no longer his presence tolerate 

And henceforth he to them could be but an out- 
cast. 



Resurrection of the Gods 77 

Said he, "We have with us a mortal, — one of the 

unbrlbed — 
One who's not your victim and belongs not to 

your tribe. 
This mortal shall pronounce your sentence and 

relieve the gods of shame 
Should the sentence pronounced upon thee befit 

not thy fame. 

"God Mammon," he continued, "the charge 

that's most against thee 
Is the crime we gods call greatest. Thou art 

charged with hypocrisy. 
By wiles that are deceitful hast thou brought 

shame to man 
No longer seek they only to follow the sacred plan. 

"Their souls are seared with selfishness, a trait 

that thou hast taught 
Themselves and thou occupy now practically 

all of their thoughts 
These things we gods have noted and beside an 

equal crime 
Thou hast sought to exclude their worship from 

every shrine but thine. 

"Therefore your presence. Mammon, in our realm 

Is no longer wished 
Thou shalt henceforth be banished forever from 

our midst. 
But, yet art thou given, before this mortal judge 
A chance to plead thy cause, lest his ruling be 

unjust." 



78 Resurrection of the Gods 

Astonished to stupefaction for a moment Mam- 
mon sat — 

Contortions of his face bespoke the mingled pains. 

Then slowly to his feet arose, discarding a silken 
wrap, 

Raised his head in hauteur, his lips curled in dis- 
dain. 



His voice so full of scorn — 'in every tone he jeered 
At this that was to him a punishment illy meted. 
While I, appointed judge, for my welfare really 

feared 
Lest perchance he'd think himself, by me illy 

treated. 

Yet my fears were groundless for he heeded me 

as a nonentity. 
He spoke alone to his former friends who now at 

last were foes. 
Said he, "Ye gods, I'm flattered by this your 

enmity. 
It indeed, your fear of me, more than aught else 

shows. 

"My power, indeed, hath grown so great 
That jealousies now consume thee, 
And to check that power thou art too late 
For 'twill, for ages, rule without me. 

"Thou mayest slay me if you will 

But I defy ye all; gods and men and even fate. 



Resurrection of the Gods 79 

My power shall rule all mankind still, 

My spirit will thrive e'en 'gainst thy hate. 

"During all the centuries of our confinement, 
With a promise of untold wealth, 
Hath a myriad of elves, in my employment, 
Been teaching in honor and in stealth. 

"The glories of Mammon the king. 

King of the gods! King o'er the hearts of men^ 

All to the altar of Mammon bring 

Both honored and steeped in sin. 

"Their hearts of evil, hearts of good. 
Tears of sorrow and tears of shame. 
Their very souls are Mammon's brood 
Forever and ever 'twill be the same. 

"Tho despised am I by honored friends. 

And alone must seek my comrades 

'Mongst evil elves where all beauty ends 

Tho I sink now to the slime of things most sordid 

"Yet will I, in triumph and with glee. 
Perceive the tribute paid for ages yet to come — 
All honor from mankind will still be paid to me 
Though clouds of shame, henceforth, at this my 
fatal doom. 

"Keep me bowed with grief and in solitude to 
mourn — 



8o Resurrection of the Gods 

To mourn the passing pleasures of the fellowship 

of my kind 
Yet, tho of all the glory of life with thee I'm shorn 
There'll be sweet revenge in knowing I am loved 

best by mankind." 

The speech of Mammon ended 'twas meet that 

I should speak 
And let be known to him the future he must seek. 
Where his future days be spent, whither he should 

roam — 
Hastily I concluded that the earth should be his 

home. 

So I said, "God Mammon, because of your love 
of self 

And the curse you've wrought on man (their 
cursed love of pelf) 

I'd sentence you to dwell in the darkest depths of 
hades 

Were I not most fearful lest ye teach those rene- 
gades, — 

Those renegades of Satan's — hapless sons of 
pride — 

The cunning of your craft and cause them to im- 
bibe 

Of the cup that's brought to mortals shame 

And curse them, too, with the loathing lust for 
gain. 

Therefore, god Mammon, a more bitter penance 
I view 



Resurrection of the Gods 8i 



One that will more greatly goad the heart of you. 

No other realm shall be given unto thee for con- 
quest, 

Your evil work must cease, henceforth shalt thou 
rest. 

Thou shalt henceforth in Idleness forever roam 

the earth 
Your might and power impotent as the infant at 

its birth. 
And tho your spirit, as boastfully you contend. 
May yet taint humankind for time without an 

end. 

Yet shall ye suifer as your victims (unsated ever 

and ever) 
Thirsting for the power from which, I now, thee 

sever. 
So, now, farewell, god Mammon, — I speak for 

your friends as well, 
A life on earth no doubt you'll find more irksome 

than one in hell." 

When the gods heard me pronounce Mammon's 

doom 
And he, the champion dispenser of gloom, 
Had taken an early departure, 
A sigh of relief was echoed about 
And a cheer of praise for me rang out 
At choosing for him such fortune. 



82 Resurrection of the Gods 

Then hastened each from his tribune seat 

To gaze upon Mammon's forlorn retreat, 

Wending his way o'er the desert wastes. 

And they felt remorse at their kindred's fall 

For, tho he loved them not at all, 

Their hearts were saddened by his loss of place. 

Their hearts were saddened by this the sight 

Of a god so great in power and might 

Reduced to the plane of a mortal soul — 

No longer sped he as a bird in flight 

Carried by the force of his wondrous might — 

But wearily plodded to reach a goal. 

At length we noted that the day fast waned 
And much indeed there yet remained 

Of converse concerning the future 
And hastened we again to the banquet board 
Where unseen elves the rare wine poured 
For each goddess and her suitor. 

Soon again supreme joy reigned, 
The glasses tinkled merrily. 
Glorious ladies and gods unaged. 
Spoke their minds unwarily. 

Freyja, the fair 

Her sunlit hair 

Glistening as burnished gold, 

Spoke with candor 



Resurrection of the Gods 83 



And told of the grandeur 

Of the gods in the days of old. 

And filled with glee 

She confided to me 

Their happiness in store again 

When communion with men 

Was restored again 

And unchallenged they should reign. 

Yet she chilled my soul 

When at length she told 

Of the changes in store for women, 

Declaring that they 

In the future may 

Implace themselves rulers of men. 

She told me then 

That while I was with Pan 

She hastened away to read women's hearts 

That she might know 

Whether of weal or woe 

In the future to them she'd impart. 

And declared then with fervor 
That she'd confer greater favor 
Than ever they'd known of before — 
She'd grant them more beauty 
And considered it her duty 
To aid them in winning world power. 

"And tho I must grieve 
At what I perceive 



84 Resurrection of the Gods 

In store for them In the great distance 

'Twere folly for me 

To attempt to decree 

That their ambition be shorn of persistence. 

"But, enough! Be it said 

That ere thou art dead 

Thou shalt see woman rule 

Tho they bring disaster 

By being thy country's master. 

Experience alone will be their school. 

"For years by the score 

Shall they maintain their power 

And with ruthlessness born of vanity 

Scorn to be considerate — ■ 

Until vengeance, born of hate, 

Will drive man from his inanity. 

"And the shackles of patience 

And chains of submission 

By a storm of rebellion he'll break — 

He'll no longer be gracious 

Nor filled with compassion 

For she who should be his mate. 

"But by brutish means 

To gain selfish ends 

Once more he'll be lord over women 

Tho acknowledged as fiends 

By foes and by friends — 

Not shame shall detract from their venom. 



Resurrection of the Gods 85 

"And women again shall be 
Dominated by force of strength 
(Save those too proud to submit) 
And they shall be made to flee 
To a mateless commonwealth 
And there from the world exit — 

"Exit from the world alone, 

Martyrs to ideals too great 

For the myriads of selfish men, 

Heart-broken with wishes for home 

Hungering to the last for the mate 

Without which they'd as well not have been. 

"Then will man retrograde 
Declaring it a useless task 
To climb ever upward to meet — 
Not the cherished dreams of Arcade, 
Not the surcease they now ask, — • 
But ever and ever defeat. 

"And women shall bear the blame 
And burdens will be heaped upon them 
The same as in ages past. 
Their souls will be seared with shame 
At the contempt shown them by men 
And their beauty and souls will wither before 
that burning blast." 

Such words did Freyja say 
Ere she said to me farewell. 
And I listened and believed it all 

For pride and scorn is a woman's way 

Whenever they fare too well 

And thus have they caused great nations' fall. 



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